Rugby Plastics Factory circa 1965
The story of Rugby Plastics begins in 1946, when engineer Albert Hupfield founded his own precision‑machinery company. Initially focused on specialist engineering equipment, the business soon moved toward the rapidly developing field of injection‑moulding machines, thanks to the post‑war boom in plastics manufacturing.
As demand grew, Albert sought space to expand beyond his base on the Edgware Road in London. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, he and his brother leased land in Welton, on the area now known as Elms Dyke, to establish a new plastics injection‑moulding works. This factory—designed to complement the London operation—became Rugby Plastics. The building work was done by Frank Emery senior
In 1953, the BBC sold Churchill House (now Welton Manor) to the Hupfield family. The conveyancing documents were signed by the BBC’s Director General, Sir Ian Jacob, transferring one of Welton’s most prominent properties. Albert and his wife Olive moved into Churchill House, and throughout the 1950s and 60s the family lived on the estate: the old stables and coach house were converted into a residence, later known as Churchill Court, and occupied by one of their sons. Son Tony purchased Pear Tree Cottage (the house in front of the factory) in the 1960s for £2150.
By the early 1960s, Rugby Plastics had become a thriving local employer run by Hupfield sons Brian and Tony. A press report from 1964 announced the firm’s ambitious plan to triple production, increasing output from four million to eleven million articles a week through new machinery and expanded product lines. The company manufactured a wide range of goods—sherry bottle caps, battery tops, thread protectors, and multi‑purpose plastic boxes. Many villagers worked at the factory, with regular advertisements appearing for new staff members.
L-R: Mary Shirley, Cyril Cockrill Tony Conopo, Marjorie Warne, Selina Emery, Eddie Hasell circa mid 1960s
On the death of Albert Hupfield in 1968, his widow Olive required a smaller home, and part of the former manor’s kitchen garden was walled off to create a new dwelling—today’s Churchill House—built again by Frank Emery Senior.
Meanwhile, Rugby Plastics continued to operate, increasingly shifting its focus toward Daventry’s growing industrial zones. Business listings show Rugby Plastics active at 11 Lanchester Way, Daventry from the 1950s onward, employing 11–50 staff with turnover in the £1–2.5 million range.
These records list R. (possibly Roy) Hupfield as a manager, confirming the family’s continued involvement.
By the 1980s, the transition from Welton to Daventry was well underway. Planning notices from 1987 show Rugby Plastics seeking permission to build a new factory and offices in Lanchester Way, along with applications for signage at the new premises.
That same year, Daventry District Council debated the impact of relocating operations on the workforce, postponing decisions until reassurances were provided about the jobs of the firm’s 18 employees. Councillor Jean Cox of The Stone House became involved in the discussions.
Back in Welton, the original factory site was entering its final chapter. In 1988, planning notices recorded proposals for demolition and the construction of new housing, including applications by Sunguard Homes Ltd to develop the former Rugby Plastics land.
The clearance of the works paved the way for the modern residential development of Elms Dyke, transforming an industrial corner of the village into a new neighbourhood.
As an interesting note: the developers of Elm’s Dyke planned to call the development Churchill Place, but this was rejected as thought to be confusing with other properties in the vicinity.
Elm’s Dyke was chosen by the Parish Council to mark the site of the dyke or stream that was the main watercourse of the village and flowed down through that area, which – prior to building – was abundant with elm trees.
Today, nothing remains of Rugby Plastics’ physical presence in Welton, but it is well remembered by some in the village.
